RMD, Uzo Aduba Urge African Creatives to Turn Global Recognition into Sustainable Businesses
By CeeWhy News Desk, Lagos
Nollywood actor Richard Mofe-Damijo and actress Uzo Aduba have called for stronger investment, intellectual property ownership and business structures to ensure that Africa benefits more substantially from the international popularity of its creative industries.
The actors spoke at Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) WKND 2026, which opened in Lagos on Thursday, November 5, under the theme ‘One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World’, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria carried by Voice of Nigeria.
Beyond international popularity
Mofe-Damijo, popularly known as RMD, said the continent’s music, film, fashion, literature and other cultural products should be viewed as economic assets rather than celebrated solely for their popularity.
He pointed to the international reach of Nollywood and other entertainment industries as evidence of culture’s ability to influence audiences and consumer choices. But he argued that lasting economic gains depend on investment, ownership, distribution and institutions capable of supporting creative businesses.
His recommendations included better access to finance, stronger protection of intellectual property and improved distribution channels. Those issues affect whether writers, performers, producers and other creators retain a meaningful share of the value generated by their work.
Uzo Aduba calls for ownership and partnerships
Aduba also drew attention to the difference between visibility and economic returns. She urged greater access to resources and partnerships that can help African creative work generate jobs, businesses and durable infrastructure.
She highlighted opportunities for collaboration between African creators and professionals in the diaspora, whose networks and market experience can support international partnerships.
CANEX focuses on the business of culture
The four-day CANEX WKND event runs from November 5 to 8. It is organised through the Creative Africa Nexus programme of the African Export-Import Bank, with Nigeria hosting the gathering.
The programme covers film, television, music, fashion, literature, gastronomy, sport and other creative activities. Its industry sessions include discussions on finance, market access, artificial intelligence and the commercial use of intellectual property.
A CANEX Deal Room and other business-focused sessions are intended to connect creative entrepreneurs with potential financiers and partners. The presence of prominent performers is only one part of a programme that also addresses the economics of producing and distributing African content.
Why this matters to Nigerian creators
Nigeria’s film and music industries have built audiences beyond the country, but individual creators still face challenges securing production finance, protecting rights and negotiating sustainable commercial agreements.
The speakers’ central message was that international attention is most valuable when it translates into stronger local companies, skilled employment and retained ownership of creative assets.
The event continues through Sunday, with further sessions expected to address how Africa’s creative industries can secure a larger share of the economic value they generate.
Sources: News Agency of Nigeria report via Voice of Nigeria, November 6: https://von.gov.ng/rmd-urges-africa-to-turn-cultural-influence-into-wealth/; CANEX event programme background published November 6: https://newafricanmagazine.com/partner-insight/canex-wknd-2026-opens-in-lagos/.